More progress has been made on Opp’s historic L&N Depot renovation project.

City Planner Jason Bryan said this week that the exterior painting is nearly complete, and just needs final touchups.

“Roof and gutter systems are complete,” he said. “Decks are finished. Interior and exterior lights are 75 percent complete and operating. Alarm and emergency lighting to be completed (Friday).”

Bryan said city crews are preparing the grounds for landscaping and installing drainage systems.

“Handrails are to be finished next week,” he said. “Tile flooring is 75 percent installed. Wood flooring to be under way in two weeks. As with any construction project, the first stages move quickly. Then, things tend to slow down and at the end is flurry of activity. We are seeing things pick-up the pace.”

Jason said the city crews have helped.

“City crews – water, electric, street and parks and recreation, all have worked when needed, dropped their current work to assist in the renovation,” he said. “Thanks goes to every one of the public employees that put the citizens first.”

The Opp Khlepanan Society is currently selling shirts to celebrate the history and future of the depot as a fundraiser to raise money for the finishing touches.

Please see any member for your order form and to pre-pay. They youth and adult sizes –$15 for youth and adults and $17 for 2XL and larger.

The project should be completed within 45 days.

The countdown to completion is one that has been in the works for at least the last decade.

Several administrations discussed the potential rehab of the iconic depot in the heart of the city of Opportunity.

In 2013, the city was awarded Transportation Alternative Program monies totaling $400,000, with a 20 percent match from the city.

The city then had to jump through many hoops to get the project OK’d by the different channels.

Last July, three members of the then-city council voted against accepting the first rounds of bids.

In December, after the city solicited fresh bids, the new city council approved a $762,500 bid for Paul Catrett Construction.

Work finally began on the L&N Depot at the end of January.